VFW Auxiliary Launches Veterans Outreach Program

A new project is being promoted by the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Auxiliary No. 5254 of La Grange; and it is being named “Veterans Outreach.” Jr. Vice President Becky Leer has been named chairman and after researching and contacting the local VA Clinic and Fayette County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Jesse Lednicky, the needs of local Veterans were prioritized and how the VFW Auxiliary’s help would be most beneficial in that role was established. The plans are for this to become a continuing VFW Auxiliary No. 5254 project with help from the community.

So helping the La Grange VA Clinic with Veterans needs other than medical was the first project. Becky and Richard Leer with help from VFW Auxiliary No. 5254 put together and donated 15 bags of toiletries, clothing, throw blankets, and food and delivered the items before Thanksgiving.

Then the Salvation Army approved a donation to the Veterans Outreach program. As chairman of the project, Becky Leer helped VSO Jesse Lednicky shop and put together 35 toiletry bags and added clothing items; and these were donated to the La Grange VA Clinic before Christmas.

Now community support is being requested in order to continue the program that remembers the men and women that so bravely served and still serve our great country. For anyone wishing to make donations, you may bring items to the La Grange VA Clinic and place them in the identified Veterans Outreach box. If you are not sure about an item or items you wish to donate, just ask the staff and they will be glad to help you with any questions you may have.

Suggested items: shampoo, shave cream, bars of soap or body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, Q-tips (travel size), comb, mouthwash, chap stick/lip balm, Note-no razors, t-shirts (all sizes-plain white/color), underwear (all sizes – boxer/ briefs), thermal underwear (all sizes), beanies, caps, throw blankets, gloves, thick socks. For groceries, because they often do not make it to the food pantry before it closes, canned veggies, canned beans, cups of rice, mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, ravioli, beanie weenies, spaghetti o’s, canned soups, stews, chili, canned meats – tuna, chicken, spam, beef, pudding cups, fruit cups, applesauce, Jell-o cups, small instant coffee, note-no candy, many Veterans have dietary restrictions.

TheAuxiliary also asks anyone who would like to make cards - write notes of appreciation to Veterans for all they have done for us and our great country - to bring them to the La Grange VA Clinic. VFW Auxiliary No. 5254 Chaplain Mary Gray has placed a beautiful container at the Clinic in which the cards, notes, and prayers can be placed. The Auxiliary invites teachers, homeschooler moms, and youth organizations to help us with this and at the same time teach our beautiful children about the sacrifices our Veterans have made, both those who have served overseas and those that served home front.

For more information about the Veterans Outreach program and how individuals or organizations may help with donations and cards, text Becky Leer at (979) 966-8284.